Saint Lucia: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related restrictions from Jan. 22 /update 20

Event

Effective Jan. 22, authorities in Saint Lucia will enforce a new set of stricter restrictions on businesses, gatherings, and other nonessential activities for at least a 10-day period due to higher numbers of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. During this period, only specified essential and nonessential businesses may operate. Requirements for individuals to adhere to directives on social distancing, enhanced sanitization, and wearing facemasks in public spaces remain in place. The following restrictions will be enforced from Jan. 22, unless otherwise stated:

• Officials recommend individuals work from home and reduce contact meetings.

• Business operations and commercial activities must end by 2100 daily.

• Businesses and commercial activities that are permitted are gas stations, supermarkets, financial and insurance services, restaurants (for takeout services only), manufacturing, exports, hardware stores, public transportation, vendors on rotation, agriculture and livestock sectors, call centers, hotels (for international arrivals), doctors' offices, diagnostic and lab services, pharmaceutical services, law offices, utility companies, media companies, customs brokerage firms, and essential government services.

• All social gatherings are prohibited.

• Gatherings for worship and religious activities are to be limited to 25 people in attendance, or online services.

• Sports and gym activities are prohibited, with limited exceptions.

• All schools must remain physically closed on may operate on multimedia platforms only.

• The sale and public consumption of alcohol is prohibited effective immediately, through at least Feb. 10.

International entry restrictions also remain in effect. Regardless of country origin, all travelers aged five and over arriving by sea or air must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within seven days before arrival. Travelers aged 18 and over must also complete a Travel Registration seven days or more before travel, as well as a Health Screening Form. Passengers in transit with a same-day onward journey do not require travel authorization.

Quarantine measures and other movement restrictions will depend on the traveler's country or territory of origin as follows:

• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Travel Bubble: Provided the traveler has remained in the travel bubble for at least 21 days, no quarantine will be required and the traveler may stay in any accommodation except those properties that have been certified for travelers from outside the bubble. As of Jan. 21 the travel bubble includes Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

• Returning Nationals and Residents: All returning nationals and residents from outside the travel bubble must complete a 14-day quarantine. Quarantine arrangements must be confirmed before travel at a COVID-19 certified accommodation or government-operated quarantine facility. Applications for home quarantine approval are possible.

• International Travelers: Travelers are required to remain at their COVID-19 certified accommodations for the duration of their stay or for 14 days, except to participate in certified activities, tours, and excursions. Visitors may leave the certified property and travel freely after 14 days. This applies to all travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and all other areas outside the CARICOM Travel Bubble.

• Marine Arrivals: For travelers from outside the CARICOM Travel Bubble, if fewer than 14 days are spent at sea, the remainder of the 14-day quarantine period must be observed at anchor, at a designated quarantine dock, or in a COVID-19 certified property in accordance with marine protocols. Persons on vessels arriving at night must remain on board until the following morning when they will be checked by Port Health authorities.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and protocols. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Saint Lucia Entry Requirements
Saint Lucia Travel Registration Form